Surface Mount Technology – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 The Most Common Uses of Printed Circuit Boards with SMT Technology /blog/the-most-common-uses-of-printed-circuit-boards-with-smt-technology/ Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:39:27 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2376 Continue reading ]]> Almost everyone uses devices that incorporate printed circuit boards every single day. It might not be known that these are being used, but they are so widespread and offer so many benefits that  almost everyone has them in nearly all of their electronic devices. Used to create electronics, there are many applications for printed circuit boards, many of which use surface mount technology (SMT) to integrate components faster and more efficiently than past technologies.

The Basics of Printed Circuit Boards

A printed circuit board or PCB is a board used to connect electronic components. These are essential parts of all the electronics that people use at home and work each day. PCBs are made using non-conductive material and come with pads, lines, and other features that are etched from a sheet of copper that can electrically connect various components inside of a device. When SMT technology is included, things like resistors and capacitors are soldered onto the board rather than using wires.

Today, PCBs in electronics are common and the most popular way to create new products. The boards themselves can be single-sided, double-sided, or multilayer. They also come in flexible or rigid configurations or can combine both based on need.

PCB Assembly Options

There are two typical methods for assembly of PCBs and their components, including through-hole and surface mount.

  • Through-Hole Mount – With this kind of mounting, an assembler will put components leads into holes that are drilled into a PCB. This is an older technology that is not used as often as it used to be. It has a strong connection since the leads run through the board, but it takes more time and effort to work with this kind of mounting technology.
  • SMT Technology – With surface mounting, the components are connected to the PCB directly through soldering. The method was first created in the 1960s and gained popularity in the 80s. It’s the most common method of adding components today. Surface-mounted components are smaller so more parts can be placed on a board. This helps with the cost and has led to the proliferation of smaller devices year after year.

Common Uses for Printed Circuit Boards

It might seem like only a few sectors and industries would use printed circuit boards, but that’s not true. These little boards can be found in everything from massive pieces of machinery to small consumer devices. We want to share some of the most common applications for PCBs to give a basic idea of just how integral these items are for pretty much everyone.

LEDs

LEDs or light-emitting diodes are often used for lighting in both commercial and residential locations. LEDs are also used in many industries including computer technology, automobiles, and medicine. The biggest benefits of LEDs are their long life, energy efficiency, and compact size. PCBs are great for LEDs since they can help transfer heat away from the bulb. High temperatures make LEDs burn out faster, so the PCBs for them are typically made of aluminum to offer the best results. This eliminates the need for an extra heat sink and allows small, compact designs.

Industrial Equipment

The industrial sector uses printed circuit boards and SMT technology in many different ways. Electronic components are used for much of the powering of equipment in distribution and manufacturing centers, as well as other kinds of industrial environments. PCBs in industrial environments need to be exceptionally durable and high powered to handle harsh conditions since they may be around extreme temperatures, rough handling, harsh chemicals, or vibrating machinery. Many of them are made with thermal-resistant durable metals and are often thicker than typical PCBs.

Aerospace Components

Aerospace applications of PCBs require them to be capable of handling extremely harsh conditions. These printed circuit boards may be used in all sorts of equipment ranging from planes to satellites, space shuttles, and communication systems. The materials used for these PCBs need to withstand harsh conditions like extreme temperatures and large amounts of vibrations. Some are made to be used in outer space and are even more durable. Lightweight PCBs made of things like aluminum can also be useful in some situations.

Security and Safety Equipment

Whether used for homes, government buildings, or commercial businesses, security systems often rely on the use of PCBs and SMT technology. They have a huge effect on security and safety beyond what many are aware of. The PCBs used for these applications can vary based on the actual application, however, all should be reliable since these products must operate correctly at all times. Since some security devices operate outside the home or business, they need to be able to withstand that type of environment, as well. PCBs are used in everything from modern electronic door locks to security cameras, and even smoke detectors.

Medical Devices

New technology is constantly being incorporated into the healthcare sector and PCBs add additional capabilities to devices. Printed circuit boards are used in devices for diagnostics, treatment, monitoring, and more. These PCBs need to be exceptionally reliable since they are used to improve patient health. They also often need to meet specific sanitation standards and tend to work best when very small. Some of the devices that use PCBs in healthcare include medical imaging systems, infusion pumps, monitors, and even internal devices.

Electronics for Consumers

Computers, tablets, smartphones, and various other devices that people use every day need PCBs with SMT technology to function. As more electronics become part of everyone’s daily lives, PCBs are there to ensure they operate correctly. The boards allow smaller laptops and other devices while still creating the option of numerous capabilities. Most consumer electronics PCBs are relatively inexpensive to keep product prices low. However, the boards also need to be reliable to keep consumers satisfied.

Advanced Circuits offers a wide variety of printed circuit boards that can use SMT technology. We operate as a one-stop manufacturer and assembler of PCB solutions. We offer innovative technology with quick manufacturing and assembly for a wide variety of industries. Individuals and businesses can reach out to us with an order of any size to see what options we can offer.

 

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What Surface Mount Technology Is And Why to Embrace It /blog/what-surface-mount-technology-is-and-why-to-embrace-it/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:20:23 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2374 Continue reading ]]> When a person takes a look at a commercially-made electronic item in the modern world, the inside is often going to be composed of many tiny devices. Instead of using conventional parts with wire leads as might be seen for home projects, the components are often mounted onto the surface of boards. In many cases, these boards are truly minuscule.

This is a type of technology called surface mount technology or SMT. Almost all of the equipment manufactured commercially today uses this innovative technology. Surface mount technology has huge advantages when manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). Because the components on SMT boards are so small, it also lets people pack more electronics into a small space.

What Surface Mount Technology is All About

The 1970s and 80s were a time when automation started to take off for printed circuit boards used in all sorts of equipment. Traditional components using leads weren’t easy to use with PCB assembly. For capacitors and resistors, the leads had to be pre-formed to fit through holds and integrated circuits had to have leads set at a specific pitch to go through holes quickly and easily.

This led to difficulty since many of the leads would miss the holes because the holes were quite tight. Because of that, an operator would need to step in and resolve the problems to make the components fit. This meant a loss of time and money since the machines automating the process had to be stopped.

Printed circuit boards remove the need for leads to go through the board. Instead, components could be soldered right to the board. This led to the birth of SMT and the use of components for SMT has risen quickly because of its many advantages. Nowadays, surface mount technology is the primary option for assembling PCBs in electronics manufacturing. The products made can be small and used in many different ways.

Why Surface Mount Technology is Favored in Design

While the primary reason for moving to surface mount technology was related to cost, speed, and reliability, there are other benefits. This technology has had a huge impact on the way that people today design and develop new circuits and equipment. The good thing about this is that the change has largely created advantages rather than disadvantages. Some things to be aware of for developers using surface mount technology are listed below.

  • Circuits Are Smaller and Denser Than Ever – The electronics industry has always had the drive to offer more function in smaller packages, but that was never an easy task before surface mount technology became widespread. SMT is designed to make this simple since everything is in a miniature format. Components can be extremely small and mounted closer together on the circuit board than would ever be possible with typical components with leads. This, combined with the better functionality available through integrated circuits, makes life easier for a development engineer.
  • Lower Power Rating Requirements – One of the most important things to look for when designing and producing electronics is the power rating of the components. With surface mount technology, devices can have lower power ratings than ever before. As an example, a standard resistor with a lead can dissipate 0.25 watts or even more. However, surface mount resistors are smaller so the dissipation is also lower. People should be aware of this during a build but always make sure to check the manufacturer’s data for the exact numbers.
  • Less Inductance and Spurious Capacitance – Since surface mount technology components are smaller, that also means that spurious inductance and capacitance are also going to be smaller. An SMT resistor, to keep with the previous example, will be closer to an ideal resistor than a resistor with leads. In the same way, a surface mount technology capacitor is going to create less parasitic inductance. When taking this all together, standard SMT components will have higher frequencies and faster speeds than leaded components are capable of.

Using Surface Mount Technology with Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Nowadays, SMT is used in almost all facets of PCB manufacturing and assembly. More electronics can be placed in a smaller space using the technology. All of the components are smaller and many of them offer better performance than traditional components. They also can be easily used with automated machines to eliminate the need for worker intervention during the assembly process.

With wired components, it was always a challenge to rely on automatic placement. All wires had to be pre-made to fit the correct hole spacing and, in some cases, there were still issues with placement. PCB assembly typically has all components placed automatically. Manual assistance might be occasionally needed but it is rare. High-quality circuit boards reduce the need for this to the point of even changing a design so components fit perfectly.

One issue that used to be common with surface board technology components was their lack of resistance to heat. Since the components are soldered in, this raises the temperature of the part and could cause issues in some situations. However, new components have been developed that have no problem tolerating the temperatures associated with the soldering process.

SMT Components and Devices

Surface mount components differ from leaded components since they are set into a board and soldered to it rather than wiring between two points. The leads don’t go through holes as might be expected of traditional components. There are three package styles used for SMT components: transistors and diodes, integrated circuits, and passive components. Many passive components consist of resistors and capacitors in standard sizes with typical package sizes. Transistors and diodes often come in a small plastic package, while there are many package options for integrated circuits.

Any business creating a project using printed circuit boards should consider the ease and convenience of surface mount technology. At Advanced Circuits, we offer printed circuit boards that are high-quality and ready for this kind of technology. We also provide assembly and manufacturing services to save people time and money. Regardless of the size of a business or how large their circuit board order is, we’d love to help. Get in touch and find out more about what options we offer.

 

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What You Should Know About SMT Technology /blog/what-you-should-know-about-smt-technology/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:37:50 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2359 Continue reading ]]> SMT technology has helped to change the way that electronic equipment is made today. Instead of using the standard components that were used in the past that required wire leads, many boards have the tech mounted right to the surface. Naturally, this provides some nice advantages. It means that the PCB and the overall equipment can be smaller. It’s possible for PCBs to have more tech on them, making them more capable, as well.

Why Was SMT Technology Created?

Automation for printed circuit boards started to grow in the 1970s and 80s. This was meant to make it faster and easier to create the PCBs for the demanding market. However, it was quickly discovered that using the traditional leads and wires was difficult for PCB assembly. It was difficult to create the boards quickly, and sometimes the leads would miss holes. If everything was not set perfectly onto the board, it wouldn’t work properly — or at all.

This means that the automation process was slowed down and that the cost increased. Essentially, it eliminated the main reasons that automation was introduced in the first place. To eliminate these problems, SMT technology was created.

Today, surface mount technology has become the most common option for PCB assembly. Instead of needing leads or wires, which could break and become a problem, the components are simply soldered to the PCB. The leads don’t have to go through holes as would be the case with the older-style leads.

Over the years, the size of the components has shrunk, which means that the boards have shrunk, too. This is why we’ve seen so many different types of devices get smaller year after year. The PCBs are better designed and can do far more than their past counterparts.

SMT Technology Components

SMT has three main categories of component types. These include:

  • Passive Components
  • Transistors and Diodes
  • Integrated Circuits

Passive Components

Passive surface mounted devices can come in many different styles. The most common tend to be capacitors or resistors. However, they could also include coils or crystals depending on what’s needed for the board. You’ll also find a range of different sizes, which can make it possible to find solutions for nearly any type of board being created. The larger options, including the 1206 and the 1812, are not used as frequently today as they were in the past. These tend to be for devices and applications that may require a substantial amount of power.

Transistors and Diodes

These are small and will typically be contained in plastic. The leads emerge from the plastic casing and are bent so that they’ll touch the board. This makes them easy to solder into place. These will have three leads. This is helpful, as it makes it easy to determine how they should be applied.

Integrated Circuits

There are also options for integrated circuits. These chips will have a varying number of pins on them. Some, for example, might only have 14 pins. Others, such as processors, could have 200 or more pins. Naturally, there are many different types of chips that could be used depending on the nature of the device you’re designing. Some of the common types include Small Outline Integrated Circuits, Dual In-Line, Thin Small Package Outline, and Shrink Small Outline Package.

There are many other packages available, as well. The options that you choose when designing the PCB will vary based on your needs, naturally. Regardless of what’s being used, though, it becomes easy to see why SMT technology has become so popular. It helps to reduce the size of the PCBs while still giving them all the features and power that are needed.

Test Your Design

Using PCB Artist — free software from Advanced Circuits — you can create your initial design for the printed circuit board. You can check out more than half a million different components that can be used for the design. This will give you the chance to experiment and find the options that will work best for your needs. The design software helps to make it easier to create a quality PCB. Then, the design check and engineering review will ensure that it works before you go into production.

However, it tends to be a good idea to order a few prototypes first. Having some prototypes to test in real-world scenarios will help to ensure that the SMT design will work for your needs. Even though you might feel as though you’ve created a high-quality PCB, you won’t know until you’ve tested it in the field to determine how it behaves.

If the design doesn’t quite hold up under real-world testing, it’s time to go back to the design and consider ways that you might improve it. This could involve using different components, for example. Perhaps you found that you need to have more power than you realized and may need to have a larger integrated circuit on the board. Find the problem, fix it, and get another prototype.

Manufacturing the PCBs with SMT Technology

Once you’re sure that you have a PCB that will meet your needs, you can then go into full production. Advanced Circuits can manufacture your boards whether you need just a few or you need to have tens of thousands. We’re the third-largest PCB manufacturing company in the United States, and we manufacture everything within our facility.

Additionally, we have a fast turnaround time. Often, you’ll have your boards delivered to your door within days of placing your order. We have staff available around the clock if you have any questions about your boards.

SMT Technology is a Great Solution

SMT has helped electronics to advance quickly in the past several decades. The smaller size and the capabilities they offer can help electronics makers of all types, regardless of the size of your business. It’s important to ensure that boards are designed correctly and that the boards are manufactured to your specifications. You can get in touch with Advanced Circuits today to get a quote.

 

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Benefits of Surface Mount Technology /blog/benefits-of-surface-mount-technology/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:23:41 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2355 Continue reading ]]> For decades, through-hole circuits were the industry standard. They were relatively simple and required holes in the board. The components were mounted on one side of the board, and the leads were threaded through matching holes. Anyone who has ever worked with a breadboard to design a simple circuit will have a good understanding of how these types of boards were created.

However, as the demand for electronic devices increased, there became a need to automate the process of manufacturing the boards. Unfortunately, it was soon found that using automation would be difficult. It was not easy to get the right components and leads matched up with the right holes. It ended up taking a long time and costing a lot of money. Therefore, surface mounted technology was created to make things easier from the design to the assembly.

Surface mount technology offers a host of advantages and benefits, and over the past several decades, it has become the standard for manufacturing PCBs. Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits that it can offer.

Smaller Size and Greater Design Flexibility

One of the most commonly cited benefits is that surface mount technology means it’s possible to create smaller PCB designs. This is because you can increase the component density on the board. More of the components can be placed in a smaller space but will still provide the capabilities and performance of a larger board.

This means that the devices that will eventually contain the printed circuit boards can be smaller, as well. Smaller electronic devices and smaller boards are always important. It often means that a device that is complex can fit in a person’s pocket, such as their smartphone. People tend to like going smaller with most types of technology.

This also means that the weight of the boards will be lower. The lower weight provides even more possibilities for designers. For example, having smaller and lighter boards placed in drones means they will weigh less and use less power to fly. Cutting the weight out of items could also reduce shipping costs in some cases. Lightweight tends to be better, and this is another area where SMT can excel.

Easier Assembly

Because there are not any through-holes to worry about with these boards, it tends to make them easier to assemble. Easier assembly for the manufacturer will generally mean faster assembly, as well. This means you get your boards more quickly. Typically, it also reduces the potential for mistakes during the assembly process.

Lower Cost

Because the assembly is easier and because the boards are smaller, it often means that the cost will be lower, too. Of course, the company you choose to do the manufacturing will also be a factor in how much it costs for the boards.

Does Surface Mount Technology Have Any Disadvantages?

With all of the benefits that SMT can offer, you might be wondering if there are any disadvantages. While most will agree that the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks, it’s important to note that there may be some disadvantages. For example, because there is only a small amount of lead space, it could make repairs more difficult. Additionally, if a component has a high electrical load or if it generates a lot of heat, it can’t be mounted using SMT. This is because the solder could melt under intense heat, which would end up rendering the PCB useless.

What’s Right for Your Needs?

What option will you be using to create your boards? Surface mount technology can work well for many different types of PCBs. However, there could be times when through-hole solutions, or some hybrid of the two, will be a better option.

Using software like PCB Artist is a good way to design a PCB and see whether it will work virtually. The software is easy to use and offers more than half a million components for design work. After designing your PCB using the software, the design can be reviewed to determine whether it will work or not. This way, you have a second set of eyes looking at the work to ensure it’s ready to go.

Get a Prototype

However, even with an engineering file review, it’s important to get hands-on time with the PCB using surface mount technology before going into full production. After you’re happy with your initial design, you will want to order a prototype. Getting just a few boards is easy when you go through Advanced Circuits, as we don’t have a minimum order.

When you get the prototype, you need to put it through its paces in real-world scenarios. What types of conditions will the board face when it’s used in your device? Monitor how it works and take note of any areas that may be having problems. Putting it through a rigorous testing process will help to make it easier to find any potential problems.

It’s always better to know about problems sooner rather than later. Just assuming that the design is good and ordering 5,000 PCBs that end up overheating would be a huge problem for your company. There is also the potential that it could reduce the trust your customers have in your products. Finding and correcting the design before it is mass-produced, even if it takes a couple of prototype and revision rounds, is a better solution. It will save money and keep your customers happier in the end.

Manufacturing

Once you are pleased with your design and you’ve seen how it will work in real-world situations, you can then move to the manufacturing stage. Advanced Circuits can do more than just provide software and guidance. We’re a full manufacturing facility that makes all of the PCBs ourselves. We also have a fantastic turnaround time, getting PCBs to our customers within a matter of days.

We have a substantial amount of experience with the assembly of surface mount technology boards and can provide you with exactly what you need. Get in touch for a quote and to learn more about the services and options that are available.

 

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How to Plan for the Best Circuit Designs: The Secret Is in the Planning /blog/how-to-plan-for-the-best-circuit-designs-the-secret-is-in-the-planning/ Mon, 28 Dec 2020 22:23:21 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2340 Continue reading ]]> Too often, people want actionable tasks that they can jump into and see results. Especially now, thanks to technology giving people instant gratification in so many ways, it’s easy to overlook the value and the necessity of proper planning and testing. Especially in the world of circuit designs, testing and planning can do a lot for the end product and the end user, alike. Not only that, but it can save teams thousands of dollars on research, development, and execution of new circuits and PCBs.

A lot of people talk about using a prototyping board to help them figure out their designs and requirements and to see whether their ideas will function in practice. Unfortunately, some people are misled into thinking that this means there is only one prototype. The process of designing and creating circuit boards, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), involves multiple stages and at least three or four different prototypes before a final design is sent to production. It’s this kind of testing and planning that can save a small fortune and a lot of stress.

The Hierarchy of Prototyping

Every project starts with a concept or idea. There is no guarantee that even the best ideas will function in the real world, which is why they need to be tested. It can be tempting to just build something and put it out there, but that’s not reliable or effective. At best, people will luck into only having a few minor issues and not losing a fortune in quality control. At worst, well, companies have gone belly up just from hitting the market without appropriate testing and prototyping.

This is why every stage of the process has its own prototype, from the visual design to the functional end product. The visual prototype serves to provide an impression of what the PCB will look like in the physical sense. It shows dimensions and spatial requirements and allows engineers and designers to look at the finer details of how they can actually put the board together so that it is functional, efficient, and does the work that it needs to do.

Once the visual design has been nailed down, the project will move onto the concept phase. This is when the general idea or concept of the board will be tested. For example, if the primary function of the PCB is to provide data storage, the data storage abilities will be tested, while other features and functions won’t be activated until later. It also probably won’t resemble the final design just yet, but it’s getting closer. This process is just about making sure that the concept of the board works.

Circuit boards that have been approved for visual design and concept will then move onto the functional or working prototype phase. This is where they will create a prototype that functions similarly to the end product, but without all the finishing touches. Essentially, the testing of the major functions is done at this point and there may still be final adjustments to come.

The Final Design

Now, and only now, will projects be turned into a final prototype that is essentially a replica of the end product, in all aspects of function and design. This ensures that the PCB can be tested as a fully functional product before being mass-produced. The great thing about PCBs is that when surface-mount technology is used, they become very easy to replicate, which makes automation an affordable, efficient solution.

However, if designers are not testing their final designs before sending them to production, they’re still risking a significant amount of money because of potential quality control issues. Not to mention that their reputation could be at stake if things go too seriously wrong. It’s simple, affordable, and fairly quick to create a prototype for testing to save all the hassle and expense of putting out an untested product.

Even once the product has been put into a “final prototype,” it can still be tweaked, changed, or scrapped entirely if it turns out that it doesn’t deliver after all. There have been many projects that have made it to this point passing the various tests, but once all the elements came together, it just didn’t work out. Being able to print and test a single prototyping board will save a lot of hassle and money for everyone.

Using Surface Mount Technology

The best modern circuit designs include surface mount technology. This technology is designed to allow components to be soldered directly to the surface of the board, rather than having to drill through-holes. This allows for more components in a smaller space, as well as the use of both sides of the board. For prototyping, it becomes even easier to develop concepts and prototypes to be tested before projects are sent for final production.

Surface mount technology has been in use for decades, but it is only now becoming commonplace in mass production and the manufacture of electronics on a scale that is affordable beyond the large corporations and global brands. Today, every company has access to PCBs with surface mount technology, and with the team at Advanced Circuits on your side, you can order single prototypes for every stage of your projects to ensure that designs are flawless before production.

Surface mount technology makes products more reliable, increases the efficiency in manufacturing, improves quality control and ease of replication, and so much more. It just makes sense to take advantage of this technology to create even more effective PCBs that can perform better and be produced more efficiently, because everybody wins.

Let Advanced Circuits Help

Whether this is your first project or just your latest, let Advanced Circuits work with you to plan and prototype your PCBs throughout your design process. Our team of experts will be able to help you come up with the best designs and most effective solutions, no matter what electronics or components you are trying to create. We have experience with all types of prototypes and PCB projects and can help you get started.

 

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The Many Benefits of SMT Technology: Stepping Up the Electronics Manufacturing Game /blog/the-many-benefits-of-smt-technology-stepping-up-the-electronics-manufacturing-game/ Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:08:57 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2337 Continue reading ]]> SMT technology is a slightly redundant term in that “SMT” already stands for surface-mount technology, but for the sake of explaining the method and process, some people refer to it this way. Regardless of what it’s called, it is the main assembly method used on printed circuit boards and it has several benefits for the producer and the end user, alike.

If you’ve been around our site at all or have been following our blog, you’re likely already familiar with some of the basic concepts of PCB manufacturing, including surface-mount technology and how it works. Here, we’re going to dig into the benefits of using this type of manufacturing and what it can do for your brand, as well as the value of working with a reputable, industry-leading brand like Advanced Circuits for all of your PCB prototyping and production needs.

A Quick Refresher

This technology was first developed back in the 1960s, and by the 1990s, almost all high-end PCB components used the surface-mount method of attaching components because it allowed for easier connections and more components on a single board than previous manufacturing and mounting methods. Surface mounting means there is no drilling required, as the components include caps or tabs that can be directly attached to the board.

As you can already see, there are several potential benefits to be found here. Not only is it a more efficient and better use of space, but it offers plenty of other perks.

Flexibility

The mounting of these boards is much more flexible than other types of technology. Since all the components are surface-mounted, there is no need for the through-hole drilling or pesky dual-sided components that could get in the way of how the boards are used or installed. Components can even be placed along both sides of the board at a denser rate, allowing for more connections in a single board for flexible manufacturing needs and designs. Boards can also be mounted in several different ways when this technology is used, allowing for better construction and builds.

Quality Control

Repetition is the key to quality control, and that’s why PCBs with surface mount technology continue to lead the way in terms of quality. The process is done the same, every single time, when SMT technology is used. This means that the results will be better and the quality will be higher. Before, it was an individual process that was much harder to control and quality was always uncertain, at best. Today, however, PCBs are some of the most reliable items in terms of quality when they employ the use of surface mount technology.

Replication

Again, being able to replicate a successful product is going to save a lot of time and hassle. This not only benefits quality control, but it helps streamline everything. Once a board has been created and mounted, it can be replicated time and time again, with the same methods, ensuring that there is more efficiency in production, less waste, and fewer errors along the way. It saves time, money, and manpower.

Smaller Designs

Because more components can be placed near each other on the boards, surface mounting allows for smaller PCB design in the first place. This means that boards, and their corresponding electronics, can be much more compact and portable than ever before. It’s the difference between a desktop computer and carrying a smartphone — being able to mount components is what makes microscopic chip and circuit design possible.

Reduced Expenses and Waste

As mentioned, when employing SMT technology, the amount of waste is reduced significantly. Being able to repeat a process effectively and create high-quality components is going to save on bad boards, errors, and more. Plus, you can test and get a prototype of a single PCB to ensure that everything is working and functioning in the best ways possible before you order thousands of boards for production. This reduces testing and production costs, reduces waste, and helps everyone become more efficient with their PCBs.

Quicker, Easier, and More Efficient

Even the process of SMT is much quicker to set up, saving on initial costs. There is no drilling required, which saves a huge step and expense in the production process. Plus, the boards can be made quickly because they are repeated time and again, with a single process that is streamlined for optimal efficiency. The components are also able to be selectively soldered, with customization for each component available as needed. It’s all about making technology better and making the production process more efficient is the first step.

Stability and Performance

Surface mount technology is also much more stable than drilled and otherwise attached components. SMT allows better mechanical performance and durability, even under high vibrations or shaking conditions. These printed boards are more compact but still feature high-end components, meaning they can also be packed in tighter for more security in any environment. These boards even have lower resistance and induction to reduce the RF signal effects and provide more reliable performance.

The List Goes On

There are so many different benefits to using surface mounting in today’s printed circuit boards. From the improved production process to better performance in application, there are plenty of perks that will keep companies capitalizing on this technology for as long as they can. That is, at least until something better comes along. Any company that is working with PCBs needs to consider the benefits of surface mounted technology if they’re not already using it. It’s leading the way in PCB manufacturing and it’s waiting to help anyone who needs it.

To learn more about the various advantages of SMT technology and what it can do for your circuit board printing needs, contact the team at Advanced Circuits. We’ve been working with PCBs and utilizing the latest technologies and solutions for years, giving you peace of mind that you’ll get the best results when you work with us. From prototyping to full production, we can do it all, so call us today.

 

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How to Get Started with Surface Mount Technology: Advanced Circuits is Your Preferred Choice from Prototyping to Production and Beyond /blog/how-to-get-started-with-surface-mount-technology/ Thu, 17 Dec 2020 19:24:47 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2334 Continue reading ]]> Surface mount technology (SMT) has been around for over 50 years, but there are still plenty of manufacturers using through-hole technology simply because they don’t know any better or they have yet to seek out a different solution. While there’s nothing wrong with being a little behind, now is the time to jump forward and revolutionize your efforts with the advantages of SMT. At Advanced Circuits, we’re here to help you understand the process, including what it can do for your manufacturing needs, and to help you perfect your own SMT production efforts.

Is Surface Mount Technology Better?

Surface mount technology has been around for decades, so some people are confused as to why there are still questions as to how well it works. Primarily, SMT was reserved for larger applications and high-end tech until the late 20th century, so even though it’s been around for a long time, it still has a large audience that doesn’t even understand how surface mounting works or why it’s the better choice.

As manufacturing becomes more accessible and affordable, thanks to solutions like ours where we can even prototype a single board for validation and testing before you order hundreds, there are plenty of advantages to be had with this technology. As more people continue to embrace it, the benefits become quite obvious. First of all, it’s easier to fit components on a board and you can fit more of them, or fit more on a smaller board. For small electronics and microprocessors, this is a great advantage.

Surface mounting also allows for easier repetition and better quality control. The process is efficient and easy to streamline, and once it is in place the quality rates are almost impossibly close to perfect. Unlike drilling, which could create more variation and flaws, surface mounting is a simpler, more effective process that is easy to replicate and get great results from.

This makes it more effective, as well as more of a cost-effective solution for companies that are trying to save money. When you have fewer errors, there is less waste. That means that you’re saving in a lot of different ways.

When Should Surface Mount Technology Be Used?

Surface mount technology is used in many products manufactured today. If you are looking to create a smaller or more compact design, or even just fit more components in, this might be the way to go. Here are some good uses for the technology:

  • A product that has requirements for producing little to no noise can benefit from SMT boards
  • Large quantity production with automated technology is ideal and gets better quality control
  • When requirements demand high frequencies or high-speed functioning
  • The final product may be dense, but also needs to present as light or sleek
  • You need to accommodate a denser PCB in a small board or product

Basically, it’s about packing more into a smaller space and doing it with better quality in mind at all times. There are several different packages, PCBs, and component options available to choose from that can be found in all kinds of electronics today, and they can provide a variety of different uses. Whether you are looking to create the ideal PCB package or you just want to test out a new single board that you have been working on, Advanced Circuits can help.

Who Shouldn’t Use SMT?

There are still some cases where SMT might not be the best choice. The rare instances when surface mount technology should be avoided are few and far between. One of the biggest drawbacks is that these parts aren’t ideal for easy installation or plug-and-play use. The end-user or installer would need to be someone highly skilled and capable of assembling or installing the PCBs at the component level. This may also affect production costs for those who don’t have access to such skilled professionals as in-house staff. It’s all about figuring out what you can get from the process and whether it benefits you.

Of course, most of the issues with SMT are found in the production and installation process, which is exactly what you can rely on the team at Advanced Circuits for. Working with skilled professionals that understand the field of PCBs and how surface-mount technology can benefit various industries and applications gives you the chance to get the best people on your side and the best components for your projects, as a result.

It’s About Efficiency and Improvement

Technology is leading the way forward. Any brand that wants to improve its circuit board production and operation can rely on the advantages of surface mounting for a variety of applications and uses. Understanding the process and how it works, as well as the benefits that it offers, gives people the chance to optimize their own efforts with PCB design and assembly and take their business to the next level.

Increased production efficiency means that there will be fewer operating expenses and reduced overhead costs. This, in turn, helps improve the bottom line. When you add to that the fact that products will be more valuable and reputable since they are produced via better means, it’s easy to see just why so many people are getting on board with this technology, whether they need 100 PCBs or a million of them.

Whether you’re just starting to learn about PCBs and surface mount technology or you’ve got a prototype that’s ready to be built, the team at Advanced Circuits can help with everything that you need. Take the time to explore all of our services and contact us to learn more about how we can help. From concept to completion and beyond, our team of experts will help you harness the power of surface mount technology so that you can reap the rewards. Call us today to take your PCBs to the next level with the latest technology solutions.

 

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Understanding Surface Mount Technology /blog/understanding-surface-mount-technology/ Thu, 19 Nov 2020 20:58:10 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2287 Continue reading ]]> Technology gets better and better all the time. There are gadgets and electrical components in most places today, from the phones that we have in our pockets to our vehicles, televisions, and just about everything else that we see and use. When you look at these devices, you will find that they tend to have a large number of circuit boards in them, and those boards have tiny devices that are mounted directly to them. This is known as surface mount technology, sometimes referred to as SMT.

Surface mount technology is used today because it can offer a range of advantages to the manufacture and design of printed circuit boards. Because of the small size, it means that electronics can be smaller, and they are capable of doing more. They are an amazing advancement. The surface mount technology can also allow for automated PCB assembly and soldering. It tends to make the products more reliable, and it helps to reduce their cost, not just their size.

The History of Surface Mount Technology

Automation started to become more prominent in the 70s and 80s in regard to assembling printed circuit boards. However, the components that were typically used with the boards made automation difficult. It would require that capacitors and resistors had their leads pre-formed to ensure they would properly fit through the holes. Everything needed to be exact, and this proved to be an issue. It would often mean that the components wouldn’t fit right, and machines would have to sometimes be stopped during the automation process.

This caused a massive slowdown in the assembly of the boards. As you can imagine, this also brought with it some additional costs. To help alleviate this problem, surface mount technology was created. It helped to streamline the process and allowed for components to be soldered to the board.

This helped to save some time and money. It was only natural that more and more companies started turning to this technology. It became so popular that it is currently the standard used for assembling PCBs in the manufacturing field. There are many different types of surface mount technology that are in use today.

Steps of Surface Mount Technology Devices

The SMT devices have many benefits over the leaded options. Rather than having wires connect the component, they are set into the board and soldered. This means they are more durable in many cases and have the potential to last longer.

There are several categories for these devices, including transistors and diodes, integrated circuits, and passive components.

The surface mount technology transistors and diodes are usually embedded in a plastic container. They have three leads, which emerge from the plastic and have been bent to touch the board. As with other types of SMTs, they are then soldered to the board.

Integrated circuits come in several varieties. The type of package that is used for the circuits can vary based on just how interconnected they need to be. There might be some chips that have between 14 and 16 pins, such as the simple logic chips. Others may be much larger and require hundreds of pins, such as VLSI processors. There are a substantial number of options with integrated circuits.

Passive SMTs will typically be resistors or capacitors, but it will depend on the board and what’s needed. They could also be crystals or coils, for example. These have become smaller and smaller over the years, although there are some instances where larger SMDs are still utilized. This is typically only going to occur when there is a lot of power needed.

These are just some of the main options that are available and that are commonly used today. There are other package options, and the ones that you will be using for your printed circuit boards will depend on what you are creating and what you need the board to do.

The Benefits for Your Boards

Surface mount technology is a massive technological improvement to how things were done in the past. They are a good solution to help improve not only the cost and the reliability of the boards but also the speed. It’s helped to make electronics that we’ve used for years smaller, more efficient, and more durable. However, it has also helped to boost innovation to help spur on new circuits and equipment.

Spurious inductance and capacitance can often be a problem in electronics. However, the levels are far smaller with surface mount technology. The resistors in these boards work better and more efficiently than leaded options. Ultimately, this provides higher frequencies and faster speeds. The boards can do more than they could if they were to use leaded components.

Another nice benefit is that the power rating will be lower. They are smaller, which means that the dissipation is lower in most cases. The small size also means that it’s possible to pack the PCB with more components. By putting more components on a single board, it allows many different types of technology to become smaller. Smaller tech is lighter, as well, which reduces the overall weight of the device.

Being able to put so many components onto a single board also allows for them to be more complex, which means increased functionality. Simply put, the surface mount technology allows the boards and the electronics to do far more than they could in the past.

From the performance to the durability, you can see why most companies today are utilizing SMT as much as possible. When you are looking for a manufacturer for your own printed circuit boards, you want to find those that offer SMT, and that have all the other features and services you will need. At Advanced Circuits, we have a host of products and services available including design and assembly help. We have a fast turnaround time and can provide you with high-quality PCBs that utilize surface mount technology. Get in touch today to see what we can do for you.

 

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How Are PCBs Made? /blog/how-are-pcbs-made/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:51:37 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2216 Continue reading ]]> It wasn’t that long ago that PCBs were made out of cardboard with only one-sided capabilities. Nowadays, though, PCB manufacturers are innovating ways to make PCBs smaller, more durable, and able to pack in more electrical power. These changes, over time, have enabled PCBs to make their way into everyday electrical consumer products. The use of a PCB is ubiquitous in today’s society, which has sparked whole fields of electrical engineers and hobbyist tinkerers to create more complex designs.

The process of PCB fabrication is impressive, and even those familiar with PCB design might not know all the ins and outs of how PCBs are made. Learn more about the different PCB fabrication techniques that make your design go from the virtual image on your computer screen to the tangible, green board in your toaster.

The Basics

Before diving into PCB fabrication, it’s important to know what makes up a PCB. Often, people will describe PCBs as a layered cake. The most basic PCB designs have four layers: the substrate (base), copper, solder mask, and silkscreen. These layers all work together and must be in total alignment for the final product to work.

Once you’ve designed a PCB and sent your PCB design off to the manufacturer, what will they do with it? For starters, they use your PCB design as the blueprint for the entire process.

Through-Hole Method

One of the earliest forms of PCB fabrication was the through-hole method. This tried-and-true method is quickly being replaced by a more modern PCB fabrication, known as surface mount technology (SMT). While each has its advantages and disadvantages, SMT PCB manufacturers seem to be able to produce smaller and cheaper PCB boards.

We’ll take a look at the intricate work that goes into a through-hole PCB design first. The most significant difference of the through-hole method is that manufacturers drill a hole into the board so that factory workers can double-check that each layer is aligned before moving onto the next step. With the through-hole method, manufacturers will print your PCB design onto special laminate paper. The manufacturers can attach a thin sheet of copper once the design is captured onto this special paper. This will be the basis of your substrate, or the base of the PCB.

Creating Layers

The next step is to start working on the copper that will form the layers of your PCB. This process is a bit similar to how photographs are developed – to the point that at-home PCB makers will use the same processing chemicals. Essentially, the special laminate paper is covered with photo-reactive chemicals, and when a UV light passes over it, it hardens the desired areas. This shows manufacturers which parts, based on your design, should be kept for the final PCB board and which bits of copper should be chipped away.

When the chemicals dry and harden, the board is washed in an alkaline solution and is ready to be inspected. If the board is good to go, a technician uses a powerful chemical to remove unnecessary copper, leaving behind only the copper needed per your PCB design.

Next, the copper layers are laminated together. Technicians must keep a keen eye for detail and always watch that each layer is perfectly aligned with the last. The result is a beautiful, half-finished board.

Factories can use an x-ray machine to uncover where the holes are meant to be drilled and then use a high-powered drill for precise execution. The board is finally plated, and the layers are fused with a series of chemicals. There is one last etching that occurs before the solder mask is attached. This etching ensures that your PCB has the right connections to make your creation function.

Surface Mount Technology

Surface mount technology (SMT) has become more commonplace in the PCB fabrication process because it allows for easier mass production. With an SMT outfit, the PCB fabrication process is more automated and thus less prone to human error. SMT-designed PCBs also do not have the same hole that is prominent in the through-hole method. Here’s a brief glimpse into how these PCBs are produced.

Simple As a Stencil

By using high-powered computers and technology, machinery takes your PCB design and creates a stencil. The stencil contains all the information the automated process will need to finish up your design. The stencil also allows machines to trace solder paste onto the board only in the designated areas.

The board is now ready to run through a pick-and-place machine, which takes the guesswork and error out of the PCB design process. The pick and place machine holds various components in their reels and reads the solder paste to place the proper components onto the board as directed by the PCB’s design. The solder paste will also hold everything in place so that components cannot be knocked off-kilter, thus resulting in a faulty product.

Once this process finishes, the PCB is heated and melts the soldering paste so that the layers meld together. The PCB is then ready for a clean-up, to ensure there is no residual solder paste on the board. At last, the board will receive an inspection of any potential defects.

Advantages of Surface Mount Technology

As you can see, SMT is a much more straightforward and more automated process. Its simplicity is what makes it best for the mass production of PCBs. Once a stencil is created for a design, you can print countless boards. Since the process relies on computers and machines rather than technicians, it’s also less vulnerable to human error. If there’s a mistake with a PCB board, it’s likely because the pick and place machine needs some reconfiguration.

Another big advantage of SMT fabrication is that they tend to allow for higher density component placement while still maintaining smaller boards. Since the board is smaller, the connections have a shorter distance to travel for better power.

The most significant disadvantage of the stencil-based process is that it makes it more challenging to produce prototypes quickly. This system works best if the same stencil is being used repeatedly, rather than creating one stencil that will change.

However, given the automation of the SMT process, it’s no wonder that the SMT fabrication method has gained greater momentum in the PCB world than the through-hole. Whichever route you go, make sure you’re aware of the PCB fabrication process that your manufacturer uses. In today’s world of making everything faster and smaller, you’ll want to make a decision that gives you the best return on investment.

 

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Surface Mount Technology in PCB Manufacturing Made Easier than Ever /blog/surface-mount-technology-in-pcb-manufacturing-made-easier-than-ever/ Fri, 17 Jan 2020 23:16:52 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2097 Continue reading ]]> SMT, or surface mount technology, is essential for most of today’s printed circuit boards (PCBs). Almost every higher-end device enjoys the benefits of using surface mount technology, which include:

  • Offering many more capabilities – The weight of a PCB that uses surface-mount technology, instead of labor-intensive and error-prone drilling and soldering means that the capabilities are improved. The era of shrinking devices means that the capability to create PCBs smaller and lighter than ever is a major advantage.
  • Saving time and money – The time and complexity of drilling is eliminated when surface mounting can be used instead.
  • Using automation – It makes sense to leverage the ability to mass-produce PCBs that retain performance and quality, and surface mount technology is one sure-fire way to do so.

Not all manufacturers have the ability to offer their clients surface mount technology in their design, manufacturing and assembly processes. However, Advanced Circuits has made certain that buyers can utilize our long list of free resources and amazing tools to put surface mount technology to the greatest use possible.

As a leading name in prototyping and PCB production, we provide buyers with a diversity of resources for all SMT production. We have SMT Solder Paste Stencils available as part of a NEW complete prototyping stencil kit for those who want to do one-off or “by hand” SMT manufacturing and design. Yet, we also have our remarkably advanced design tools that allow for integration of SMT designs.

Surface Mount Technology-Friendly Resources Enable Production

To begin, when a client uses existing Gerber-file designs, or other PCB design programs, the outcome of the production is never left “up in the air” as it might be when a “no-touch” approach is used. This is a serious problem with outsourced or brokered designs in which the schematics are taken and run. Instead, any orders received undergo a mandatory engineering file review before the fabrication process is started. This identifies unusual or even typical glitches in the designs and ensures that a client’s time and money will never be wasted by design flaws or manufacturing flaws or avoidable errors. This also ensures production schedules remain on track.

Other Advanced Circuits surface mount technology-friendly tools include the following free resources:

PCB Artist – Customers of all skill levels appreciate the 100% free access we provide to this innovative PCB design software. Provided as an unrestricted copy of the software, it is capable of up to 28 layers and includes more than 500k parts, a controlled auto-router function, multi-page schematics, and surface mount technology features. Easy to use and 100% free, it is also noted throughout the industry as the very best PCB design tool.

FreeDFM– This software enables clients to run a free and fast design assessment. It works easily and simply and ensures files feature all essential data, automatically corrects some issues, and provides an easy to read and use report. Whether a design features surface mount technology or relies on drilling, it will be as error and glitch-free as possible after running through this feature. Using it also comes with a discount on the work if the designs are submitted through the software. This software converts to Gerber format, takes only minutes, and issues a quote, discount code and link to the PDF of the results.

We proudly make all of our standard and traditional client services readily available to custom clients, too. That means any SMT order will also get that CAM engineer review that ensures that a design of even great complexity will be evaluated and adjusted.

And while this alone is enough for most clients to feel confident and comfortable with an order through Advanced Circuits, there are other services and benefits to partnering with us for PCBs with or without SMT technology. They include:

  • Not a broker – We never sub out our work but instead count on our top of the line, 62k square foot facility and team that guarantee the kinds of quality and speed most want but cannot always receive.
  • No minimum orders – There are no minimum lot requirements, meaning that clients are not forced to invest in huge orders with more PCBs than might be needed. Prototyping is an option – even with SMT features.
  • 24-hour support – Customer service around the clock: this features live tech support that allows design teams to speak directly with a CAM engineer at any hour of the day or night.
  • No tooling charges – When an order features Standard Specifications, we are glad to waive tooling charges and always cancel such fees on reorders of Standard Spec as Custom Spec items.
  • Best shipping record – Advanced Circuits has the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry, and is now shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we say we “put our money where our mouth is . . . and we ship Standard Spec orders on time or they’re FREE!”

We also point out our decades of stability as a wise reason to work with us. After all, with more than 25 years in the field, and a tremendously healthy bottom line, we are among the most stable providers. We have a vast and fully-capable plant offering design, production, assembly and shipping services, and we emphasize efficiency at all levels.

As a client, you also enjoy the use of a personalized client page. Here you can look through past orders, see the specs and details, look at quotes from other jobs, and even review hold notices, test certifications, and a long list of other helpful reports.

One-Offs or Thousands of PCBs: Advanced Circuits Delivers Unrivaled Quality

The use of such a streamlined process as surface mount technology should never come with punitive pricing and complex or risky production requirements. Clients should be able to send in designs and have them expertly reviewed and corrected, rather than crossing their fingers with a “no-touch” approach to manufacturing. Advanced Circuits takes prototypes and one-offs as seriously as we do batches of thousands of PCBs. Clients can feel confident that basic to complex jobs will be done quickly, efficiently and as fully-supported as needed.

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